Smoking in Canada
In Canada, smoking is allowed but regulated. Under these regulations, cigarettes can be sold, purchased online, used, and bought from vending machines. The importation of cigarettes for trade is permitted with a trade license. Health warnings are required on cigarette packaging, the minimum legal age for sales is 18 years, and there are legal restrictions on smoking in public places. Cigarettes are subject to an excise value of 54% and a total taxation rate of 63%. Available data show that smoking remains a significant public health issue in Canada. In 2024, there were approximately 3.5 million current smokers aged 15 years and older. This shows that the adult current smoking prevalence was 10.6% in 2024, including 13.1% among males and 8.1% among females. In comparison, this prevalence was 11.4% in 2022. For reference, the number of daily smokers was also about 3.5 million in 2017 which shows that the adult daily tobacco smoking prevalence was 11.6%, with 19.1% among males and 13.4% among females. In 2021, smoking led to 34,171 deaths in Canada, including 20,700 deaths among males and 13,471 among females. This indicates that smoking accounted for 11% of all deaths in 2021 in the country, including 12.8% of male deaths and 9.04% of female deaths.
Read articles from Canada
September 18, 2025 by nationalpost.com
Sabine Benoit: Ottawa's nicotine policy is failing smokers
Health Canada is conducting its third review of the Tobacco and Vaping Products Act (TVPA), but critics argue the current approach to nicotine regulation is failing. Smoking in Canada remains at 11.4% in 2023, decreasing too slowly compared to Sweden’s 5%, achieved through promoting harm reduction tools like snus and nicotine pouches, which are far less harmful than cigarettes. Instead of higher taxes or bans, experts suggest amending the TVPA to encourage harm reduction products.
August 28, 2025 by cbc.ca
Caffeine pouches are getting popular among young people. Are they safe?
Caffeine pouches, popular among young people, can contain high levels of caffeine, reaching 200mg. These small packets resemble nicotine pouches and are placed between the lip and gums for quick absorption. Health professionals warn that excessive use can lead to health risks, including rapid heart rate and dependence. Companies selling these products deny targeting minors and claim to adhere to restrictions set by Health Canada. Experts stress the importance of limiting caffeine intake, with pediatricians advising a maximum of 200mg per day. Concerns also arise about potential long-term health effects, such as addiction and sleep problems. Regulations and clear health warnings on these products are recommended.
August 28, 2025 by cbc.ca
Caffeine pouches are getting popular among young people. Are they safe?
Caffeine pouches, popular among young people, can contain high levels of caffeine, reaching 200mg. These small packets resemble nicotine pouches and are placed between the lip and gums for quick absorption. Health professionals warn that excessive use can lead to health risks, including rapid heart rate and dependence. Companies selling these products deny targeting minors and claim to adhere to restrictions set by Health Canada. Experts stress the importance of limiting caffeine intake, with pediatricians advising a maximum of 200mg per day. Concerns also arise about potential long-term health effects, such as addiction and sleep problems. Regulations and clear health warnings on these products are recommended.
August 25, 2025 by medicalxpress.com
New guideline offers menu of options to help people quit smoking tobacco
A new guideline published in CMAJ provides effective options for quitting tobacco smoking, a leading cause of preventable disease and death in Canada. The guideline includes behavioral and medication choices as well as a natural health product, tailored to personal preferences. It aims to address the challenges of quitting smoking, which is highly addictive and increases the risk of various diseases. Clinicians are advised to assess patients' smoking status and offer recommended cessation options through shared decision-making. The guideline recommends against certain smoking cessation methods and suggests using e-cigarettes only as a last resort. Overall, the guideline supports efforts to reduce smoking prevalence and offers practical tools for clinicians to assist patients in quitting smoking effectively.
August 25, 2025 by cmaj.ca
Recommendations on interventions for tobacco smoking cessation in adults in Canada
Tobacco smoking is the leading cause of preventable disease and death in Canada. The objective of this Canadian Task Force on Preventive Health Care guideline is to provide primary care providers with evidence-based recommendations on smoking cessation options for nonpregnant adults aged 18 years or older who smoke tobacco cigarettes.
August 25, 2025 by cbc.ca
Want to quit cigarettes? Vaping is far from a go-to, Canadian guideline says
A new Canadian guideline advises against using e-cigarettes or vapes as a first choice to quit smoking, recommending proven methods like medications and counseling instead. Despite declining smoking rates, tobacco remains a top cause of preventable cancer deaths. The guideline highlights the risks of vaping, citing lack of long-term safety data and stresses the effectiveness of nicotine replacements like patches. It discourages alternative treatments and notes the need for further research, including on the efficacy of AI-based therapy. Overall, quitting smoking is challenging but achievable with the right support and strategies.
August 25, 2025 by cbc.ca
Want to quit cigarettes? Vaping is far from a go-to, Canadian guideline says
A new Canadian guideline advises against using e-cigarettes or vapes as a first choice to quit smoking, recommending proven methods like medications and counseling instead. Despite declining smoking rates, tobacco remains a top cause of preventable cancer deaths. The guideline highlights the risks of vaping, citing lack of long-term safety data and stresses the effectiveness of nicotine replacements like patches. It discourages alternative treatments and notes the need for further research, including on the efficacy of AI-based therapy. Overall, quitting smoking is challenging but achievable with the right support and strategies.
August 22, 2025 by hilltimes.com
One year in, Canada’s nicotine pouch ban still defies public health logic
It has now been a year since then–Health Minister Mark Holland introduced a federal order that limited the sale of nicotine pouches—used as smoking-cessation aids—to behind-the-counter access in pharmacies. The measure removed them from convenience stores nationwide in Canada and restricted permitted flavours in pharmacies to only mint and menthol.
May 25, 2025 by westernstandard.news
EL CHIDIAC: Why does Canada follow UN guidelines in its war on smokers?
Most Canadians are unaware of the WHO’s Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC), despite Canada signing and ratifying it 20 years ago. The treaty, adopted by 182 countries, influences smoking and harm reduction policies worldwide. In Canada, critics argue that FCTC’s strict regulations have led to a rigid, anti-harm-reduction stance that may be harming smokers seeking to quit.
May 07, 2025 by rights4vapers.com
Rights4Vapers Congratulates New Liberal Government, Urges Action On Safer Nicotine Policy Reform
Rights4Vapers congratulates the Liberal Party on forming the new federal government in Canada. They urge Prime Minister Mark Carney and the Health Ministers to prioritize harm reduction and Canadians' health with evidence-based nicotine policies. The advocacy group stresses the importance of distinguishing safer nicotine products like vaping devices from traditional cigarettes and establishing a Safer Nicotine Act. They call for the reversal of restrictions on nicotine pouch sales and emphasize the need for updated regulations to support smoking cessation effectively.